A NEW nurse will soon be a familiar face around the town as she visits local care homes after taking on the role at Frome Medical Practice.
Julia di Castiglione has been appointed as the nurse practitioner for nursing and residential care homes both within Frome and in its surrounding villages.
Julia started her career at Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital before moving to the Royal Free Hospital in London, where she eventually became nursing head of cancer screening. More recently, she has been working in the hospice sector before being coaxed out of retirement by the Frome Medical Practice to take up her new post.
“I really love what I am doing,” says Julia. “As the main medical professional now visiting on a regular basis, hopefully I will bring consistency to all of the patients, many of whom have dementia.
“It is a privilege being able to work with such special people. However, my aim is also to ensure that the existing nursing staff working at the homes feel that they are supported by me and can also fully rely on me.”
As well as being a highly experienced Nurse Practitioner, Julia also holds a Masters in Advanced Nursing Practices amongst other qualifications.
Based at the Frome Medical Centre, most of her day is spent out and about seeing patients with her trusted medical bag and iPad. However, she is also part of a team and has the back-up and support of both Dr Chris Wilson and Dr Daniella Hall, together with the wider team at the practice.
Julia continued, “All of my colleagues are very supportive and ready to help with some really complex situations.”
The senior partner at Frome Medical Practice, Dr Helen Kingston said, “We are delighted to have Julia with us as a key part of our team.
“As medical practitioners, we always try to provide continuity of care and support whenever we are able. It is important that whenever possible, patients see the same clinician and hopefully this is a service that Julia is now able to provide.”
